Colorado Buffaloes Struggle to Fill Seats at Basketball Games

Latest report shows Buffs have second-lowest average attendance in the Big 12 Conference

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team has struggled to draw fans to the CU Events Center, ranking second-to-last in the Big 12 Conference in average home attendance with just 6,207 fans per game. This puts the Buffs at No. 75 in the country for average attendance, despite the team showing promise as one of the younger squads in the conference.

Why it matters

Boosting attendance is a key priority for new Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo and head coach Tad Boyle, as the Buffs look to build a strong home-court advantage and create an elite basketball destination. With the team led by young stars like Barrington Hargress and Bangot Dak, increasing fan engagement will be crucial for the program's long-term success.

The details

According to college basketball analyst Jeff Fuller, Colorado's average attendance of 6,207 fans per game ranks ahead of only TCU in the Big 12. In comparison, six schools in the conference average over 10,000 fans, with BYU leading the nation at 18,073 fans per game. While team performance can impact attendance, Colorado's struggles come despite the Buffs being in the middle of the Big 12 standings.

  • Colorado squares off against Oklahoma State in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. PT.

The players

Fernando Lovo

The new athletic director for the Colorado Buffaloes, who has spoken about making Colorado an elite basketball destination and getting to know the coaching staff.

Tad Boyle

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball team, who has acknowledged the need to increase attendance and said he is willing to do whatever is required to put more fans in the stands.

Barrington Hargress

A junior guard who is a key player for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Bangot Dak

A junior forward who is another important player for the Colorado Buffaloes.

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What they’re saying

“The first 30, 60, 90 days are all about listening and learning. One of the things, first and foremost, I plan to meet with every one of our staff and coaches individually and spend some really intentional time with them because I think you have to have relationships before there's anything else.”

— Fernando Lovo, Colorado Buffaloes Athletic Director (ESPN)

“I know what we need. I'm willing to help. I'm not sitting here with my hand out begging. I'm willing to do whatever I need to help put people in the stands.”

— Tad Boyle, Colorado Buffaloes Head Coach (ESPN)

What’s next

The Buffaloes are set to face Oklahoma State in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. PT. This will be a crucial game for Colorado's postseason hopes, as they look to boost their attendance and create a strong home-court advantage.

The takeaway

Colorado's struggle to fill the CU Events Center for basketball games highlights the challenges the program faces in building a consistent fan base, despite having a young and promising team. Increasing attendance will be a key priority for new athletic director Fernando Lovo and head coach Tad Boyle as they work to make Colorado an elite basketball destination.